Name: Shrimp & Asparagus Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 14 oz asparagus (fresh); 16 oz shrimps (jumbo/tiger); 1 tsp sriracha; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tsp granulated garlic; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1 handful parsley (chopped); 2 tbsp water

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Shrimp & Asparagus Skillet accented with garlic and lemon is a healthy and easy one-pan meal packed with Mediterranean flavors. The combo of delicate shrimps and crunchy asparagus makes it the perfect gluten-free and low-carb meal suitable for any occasion.

If you are looking for more delightful asparagus, don’t miss the asparagus pasta, asparagus soup, asparagus-cheese tart, and the asparagus and mushroom frittata.

What are the best shrimps to cook?

Honestly speaking I haven’t cooked nor eaten all the possible shrimps in the world, therefore, I will limit the description to the ones I have experienced with. From what I’ve learned over the years is to always, and I repeat, always, chose raw shrimps, only.

Precooked shrimps (pink) are already cooked and all you have to do is reheat them. Meaning that you basically cannot play with their taste as they have absorbed everything they could ever absorb during the first cooking, where you had no influence on. I don’t say precooked are bad, I just say that you will feel the authentic ocean taste only when you cook raw shrimps from scratch. Moreover, with raw shrimps or prawns, you have the option to marinate them in whatever spices and herbs, and oils you like most. It is a playground that will make you discover the best shrimps to enjoy!

shrimps

Choose large shrimps like the tiger shrimps because they are aesthetically more attractive and more substantial in portion. Feel free to use fresh or frozen prawns, being careful to let them thaw completely before cooking. Also, make sure to clean the intestines as they are not the tastest thing to eat.

How to cook shrimps?

Although shrimps are very easy to cook, there are certain important things you need to consider to get fabulous results. The tasty crustaceans will enhance all the flavors of the ocean when properly prepared and cooked.

If the shrimps are frozen, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking them. To speed up the process, pour cold water over the frozen seafood and wait for the ice to disappear. Change the water every 10 minutes for a perfect result. Do not use hot water!

Clean and peel the shrimps, then lay them on a paper towel to absorb excess water. Now decide to either marinate them or cook as they are.

In case you like your shrimps soaked in some nasty flavors, just I like mine, grab a bowl and start blending. Stir in the granulated garlic, paprika, ground pepper, some olive oil and soy sauce, or a few drops of lemon juice. Mix well and let it rest for about 15 minutes and they’re ready to rock your taste buds.

Preheat a skillet and add them to the hot surface. Cook on each side for up to 2 minutes or until beautifully pink. And it’s done. Shrimps should be soft and tender, very juicy and aromatic. Follow these steps and promise it is exactly what you’ll get!

What is asparagus?

Asparagus is the main vegetable of spring. The young and tender shoots that sprout with the arrival of the beautiful season symbolize the awakening of nature. Long, tapered, chubby, wild, cultivated, green, white or purple, are all adjectives that are often associated with asparagus. This plant can be green, sweet, and with an aroma reminding of freshly cut grass. Also, asparagus can be white, with a taste so delicate and fine that you can eat it raw, wrapped in some prosciutto.

The great news is that both green and white asparagus are low in calories but rich in folic acid, and asparagine, a substance that increases resistance to fatigue. Asparagus is known as a great antioxidant, diuretic with detoxifying properties. Isn’t that a great plant to cook and enjoy?

How to cook asparagus?

You can cook asparagus in many different ways such as steaming, boiling, frying, or baking. All you need to do is wash them under running water and cut off the ends. That’s all it takes to prepare the asparagus for cooking.

This vegetable is cooked very fast, it will only take about 10 minutes for it to be done. You should follow the “al dente” principle. It should be cooked yet a bit crunchy.

How to cook the shrimp & asparagus skillet?

Easy and fast, that are the two main descriptives of this recipe. Divide the cooking into two parts – the asparagus, then the shrimps.

Clean and trim the ends of the veggies. Heat some olive oil on the skillet and fry the asparagus on all sides for a total of 7-10 minutes on medium heat. In the meantime clean and prepare the shrimps. Remove the asparagus from the skillet, transfer them to a plate. Use the same skillet to fry the shrimps. Season with all the preferred spices and stir. Add in some sriracha and a bit of water. When the shrimps are beautifully pink on both sides, push them all with a spatula on one half of the skillet and add in the already cooked asparagus.

Sprinkle with some freshly chopped parsley and squeeze a few lemon drops all over the skillet and it’s ready to be served.

How to serve the shrimp and asparagus skillet?

Once it’s done, serve it immediately as is it. Don’t even bother arranging it on a plate. Put the skillet on the table and enjoy. Pair it with some rice for a more fulfilling meal. Oh, and of course, don’t skip the chilled glass of dry white wine!